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About Takaka

Takaka is a small town located in Golden Bay. Access to the town is via a winding road over Takaka Hill which descends into Takaka River Valley.

Takaka has a rural economy with the main industries being: farming, wood milling, dairy processing, and quarrying. Tourism is the main industry due to the town's colourful charm and a number of nearby natural attractions.

Located nearby are some cave systems near including Harwood Hole which has New Zealand's deepest vertical shaft at 176-metres and is 357 metres in depth overall. Also nearby are some great rock climbing sites. Very close to the town is Te Waikoropupu Springs. Known simply as Pupu Springs, the water here is renown for its clarity and volume of discharge. It was once considered the clearest fresh water in the world, but another site in the same region (Tasman) called Blue Lake now holds the record. The most famous attraction near Takaka is Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal gem containing pristine beaches, native forests, and an abundance of sea life. It also has one of New Zealand's best walks.